Using Reference Boards

You can create builds for Nexus devices using Android Open Source Project
(AOSP) builds and the relevant hardware-specific binaries. For available
Android builds and targeted devices, see
Source Code
Tags and Builds.

You can also create builds for
HiKey
Android reference boards, which are designed to help non-Nexus component vendors
develop and port drivers to Android releases. Using a reference board can ease
upgrade efforts, reduce time-to-market for new Android devices, lower device
costs by enabling ODM/OEMs to choose from a wider range of compatible
components, and increase the speed of innovation among component suppliers.

Google supports HiKey960 and
HiKey certified
96Boards
as Android reference boards. AOSP provides kernel source and board support for
HiKey so developers can easily create and debug new and existing peripheral
drivers, do kernel development, and perform other tasks with fewer OEM
encumbrances. To develop new ContextHub features that use new sensors or LEDs,
you can also use a Neonkey SensorHub connected to a HiKey
or HiKey960 development board.

HiKey960 boards

The HiKey960 board is available in a 3GB RAM configuration from LeMaker (via
Amazon.com)
and from Lenovator.